PS378.

Midterm Exam #1.

Rules:

Open Books; Open Notes; Turned off ALL (!) electronic devices.

Exam will consist of a Theoretical Part, and a “Context” Part

a. Theoretical Part: we will randomly select three questions out of twelve below, and you will need to write on any two (approx. 25 minutes on each)

b. Context Part: we will randomly select two “context” questions from additional weekly reading assignments, and you will need to write on one of your choice (approx. 20 minutes)

Good Luck!

Theoretical Part:

1) Describe the components of a game, and show examples how they can be put together to model a real situation. Provide at least one example of extensive form, and one example of strategic form  

2) What is Nash Equilibrium? Why is that concept so important for the Rational Choice Theory? Provide at least two examples of Nash equilibria.

3) Write about different electoral systems, and their advantages and disadvantages. Provide examples of voters preferences that produce different outcomes under different electoral rules. Provide your own opinion of which systems are more preferable.

4) Write about the role that information plays in modeling of real political situations, and different types of information breakdowns that we considered; discuss what they mean, and provide examples of how such breakdowns can play a role in analyzing models (games)

5) Describe the Condorcet  Paradox.  Draw appropriate Games. Why is that a “paradox”. Discuss the political (and others) implications.

6) How can election be modeled using Rational Choice Theory?  What does Down’s Median Voter Theorem says? Provide examples. What is the difference between one-dimensional and two-dimensional models? Discuss (or critique)  the usefulness of the models for studying real elections

7) What is McKelvey’s “Chaos Theorem”?  What does it teach us about democracy in general?  Does it help us to explain the need for the constitution?  Discuss the implications.

8) Explain basic approaches of public choice. What is Arrow's impossibility theorem? Provide examples of situations where majority rule does not work.

9) Discuss the PD games. Provide the model. Explain why it is a “dilemma”. Write about the importance of PD games for analysis of various everyday life situations. Illustrate your answer with examples.

10). What is rational according to the rational choice theory? Give examples of rational vs. irrational behavior. Discuss the issue of rationality in general. Mention the debate in Political Science that involves Rational Choice Theory.

11). Describe the process and key elements of formal modeling. Which models are good? Which are bad? Provide examples of at least two models and connect them to a real situation.

12) Write about Collective Action. Why is that one of the most fundamental problems of all social sciences together? Why is that a dilemma? Provide multiple examples of collective action related situations, and possible mechanisms of collective action dilemma resolutions. Add your own thoughts on the subject.